Life with a toddler

I realized one day, while frustrated with my dirty living room, that I had picked up about 150 books that day. Not 150 different books, but thirty books, five times each. Thirty books? Who needs that many out at all times? I got some 2 gallon freezer bags, labeled each with a day of the week, and divided the books among them. Thus began the book rotation. However, I haven't stuck with the days of the week but just change the books if I get tired of them. I kept Dr. Seuss's ABCs out all of last week and have it memorized now ("barber, baby, bubbles and a bumble bee"). I also put away some toys that I was tired of, though I put them all in a clear container so John sometimes points to ones he misses. I do have compassion if I realize he actually misses the toy and isn't just pointing at it because he wants to move onto another activity.

Since John enjoys looking out the window at the wildlife in our backyard, I took a blanket outside yesterday with the idea that he'd enjoy the wildlife from outside and I'd "read" a book. John took my book and sat down to read it. Hmmm... we could do that inside... Mosquitos started swarming around John and I killed a few that landed on me. After five minutes, John started bringing me leaves and sticks, but our presence in the back yard kept the bunnies and birds at bay. Oh well. We ended up staying outside for about half an hour, but maybe next time I'll try to go to a park that is far from bodies of water.